Abstract:

A storage shell includes sidewalls and rails. The sidewalls each extend
between two others of the sidewalls to collectively define a chamber
therebetween. The sidewalls create a plurality of intersection lines each
being defined along a boundary between two of the plurality of sidewalls.
The plurality of are rails each coupled to and radially extends away from
a different corresponding one of the plurality of intersection lines
relative to a center of the storage shell. Each of the plurality of rails
is formed with a Y-shaped cross-section. Related storage and organization
systems, and methods are also disclosed and provide additional
advantages.

Claims:

1. A storage shell comprising:a plurality of sidewalls each extending
between two others of the plurality of sidewalls to collectively define a
chamber therebetween, wherein the plurality of sidewalls create a
plurality of intersection lines each being defined along a boundary
between two of the plurality of sidewalls; anda plurality of rails each
intersecting and radially extending away from a different corresponding
one of the plurality of intersection lines relative to a center of the
storage shell, wherein each of the plurality of rails is formed with a
Y-shaped cross-section.

2. The storage shell of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of rails
comprises:a primary flange extending from a respective intersection line
to define an end opposite the respective intersection line;a first
auxiliary leg extending from the end of the primary flange; anda second
auxiliary leg extending from the end of the primary flange;wherein the
first auxiliary leg and the second auxiliary leg extend substantially
perpendicular to one another.

3. The storage shell of claim 2, wherein the first auxiliary leg extends
parallel to one of the plurality of sidewalls adjacent the respective
intersection line, and the second auxiliary leg extends parallel to a
different one of the plurality of sidewalls adjacent the respective
intersection line.

4. The storage shell of claim 2, wherein the primary flange extends from
the respective intersection line to form an angle of between about
30.degree. and about 60.degree. between the primary flange and one of the
plurality of sidewalls adjacent the respective intersection line.

5. The storage shell of claim 4, wherein an angle of between about
30.degree. and about 60.degree. is defined between the primary flange and
the first auxiliary member and between the primary flange and the second
auxiliary member.

6. The storage shell of claim 5, wherein the angle between the primary
flange and the one of the plurality of sidewalls is equal to about
45.degree., and the angle between the primary flange and the first
auxiliary member is equal to about 45.degree..

7. The storage shell of claim 2, wherein the first auxiliary legs of at
least two of the plurality of rails are joined to one another.

8. The storage shell of claim 2, wherein four of the plurality of rails
extend around one of the plurality of sidewalls, wherein the first
auxiliary leg of each of the four of the plurality of rails are each
joined to one another at ends thereof to define a continuous rim
extending around the one of the plurality of sidewalls.

9. The storage shell of claim 8, wherein the continuous rim is concentric
with the one of the plurality of sidewalls and is larger than an outer
perimeter of the one of the plurality of sidewalls.

10. The storage shell of claim 9, wherein the storage shell is a first
storage shell and is in combination with a second storage shell similar
to the first storage shell, and a continuous rim of the second storage
shell extends around the continuous rim of the first storage shell when
the first storage shell is stacked with the second storage shell.

11. The storage shell of claim 9, wherein a different continuous rim is
similarly defined around each one of the plurality of sidewalls.

12. The storage shell of claim 1, wherein the plurality of rails includes
at least two different types of Y-shaped rails.

13. The storage shell of claim 12, wherein one of the at least two
different types of Y-shaped rails is symmetrical and another one of the
at least two different types of Y-shaped rails is asymmetrical.

14. The storage shell of claim 13, wherein each of the plurality of rails
comprises:a primary flange extending from the respective intersection
line to define an end opposite the respective intersection line;a first
auxiliary leg extending from the end of the primary flange; anda
corresponding second auxiliary leg extending from the end of the primary
flange;wherein the first auxiliary leg and the second auxiliary leg
extend substantially perpendicular to one another, and one of the at
least two different types of Y-shaped rails includes the first auxiliary
leg having a length substantially equal to a length of the corresponding
second auxiliary leg, and one of the at least two different types of
Y-shaped rails includes the first auxiliary leg having a length that
differs from a length of a corresponding second auxiliary leg.

15. The storage shell of claim 1, wherein the storage shell is formed as a
single contiguous piece of material.

16. A storage and organization system comprising:a first box having four
first box side panels and a plurality of first box flanges, the four
first box side panels are coupled to one another to define a first box
chamber therebetween, each of the plurality of first box flanges extends
from a first box outer perimeter edge of one of the four first box side
panels, the plurality of first box flanges collectively defining a first
box rim extending perpendicular to and being radially spaced from the one
of the four first box side panels, wherein the first box rim extends
substantially entirely around the one of the first box side panels; anda
second box having four second box side panels and a plurality of second
box flanges, the four second box side panels are coupled to one another
to define a second box chamber therebetween, each of the plurality of
second box flanges extends from a second box outer perimeter edge of one
of the four second box side panels, the plurality of second box flanges
collectively defining a second box rim extending perpendicular to and
being radially spaced from the one of the four second box side panels,
wherein the second box rim extends substantially entirely around the one
of the second box side panels;wherein the first box rim is similarly
shaped and slightly larger than the second box rim, and when the first
box is stacked with the second box, the first box rim extends around the
second box rim and the one of the four first box side panels remains
spaced from the one of the four second box side panels.

17. The system of claim 16, wherein each of the plurality of the first box
flanges comprises:a primary leg extending from the first box outer
perimeter edge of one of the four first box side panels,a first auxiliary
leg extending from an end of the primary leg opposite the first box outer
perimeter edge, wherein the first auxiliary leg defines a portion of the
first box rim, anda second auxiliary leg extending from the end of the
primary leg in a different direction than the first auxiliary leg.

18. The system of claim 17, wherein the second auxiliary leg defines a
portion of a different rim that extends substantially entirely around a
different one of the second box side panels that is adjacent the one of
the second box side panels.

19. The system of claim 17, wherein the second auxiliary leg extends
substantially parallel to the one of the four first box side panels.

20. A method of providing a storage and organization system, the method
comprising:displaying a first shell in a retail environment, wherein the
first shell is shaped as a rectangular cupoid with an open face, the
first shell comprising:a plurality of sidewalls including a first
sidewall and a second sidewall opposite and extending substantially
parallel to the first sidewall, anda plurality of rails, wherein a
different one of the plurality of rails radially extends from each corner
of the first shell, the plurality of rails including:a first portion of
the plurality of rails, each of the first portion of the plurality of
rails is positioned adjacent the first sidewall of the first shell and
collectively defines a first rim spaced from, extending substantially
perpendicular to, and extending around the first sidewall, anda second
portion of the plurality of rails, each of the second portion of the
plurality of rails is positioned adjacent the second sidewall of the
second shell and collectively defines a second rim spaced from, extending
substantially perpendicular to, and extending around the second sidewall,
wherein the first rim is shaped similarly to and sized smaller than the
second rim; anddisplaying depictions of the storage and organization
system using shells representative of the first shell, the depictions
illustrating the shells stacked with one anther such that first rims and
second rims of the shells nest with one another to facilitate selective
coupling and stacking of the shells with one another.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein displaying the first shell includes
displaying the first shell with each of the plurality of rails having a
Y-shaped cross-section.

[0002]Many organization and storage items and systems are available to
assist consumers in storing and organizing their belongings. However, in
general, consumers continually accumulate items and/or transfer items
from one location in a home to another. Accordingly, a storage and
organization system that may function well for a consumer at one point in
time may gradually become ill suited for the consumer's needs at a
subsequent time. In order to adapt to their changing needs, consumers
often discard and replace old organization systems with new, more
suitable systems. In this manner, as the needs of a consumer continue to
evolve, a cycle of implementing and replacing organization systems often
occurs. This cycle, which may seem to be never ending, can leave a
consumer frustrated and distraught with attempts to organize the
typically increasing inventory of belongings according to the consumer's
evolving use of such belongings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003]One aspect of the present invention relates to a storage shell
including sidewalls and rails. The sidewalls each extend between two
others of the sidewalls to collectively define a chamber therebetween.
The sidewalls create a plurality of intersection lines each being defined
along a boundary between two of the plurality of sidewalls. The plurality
of are rails each coupled to and radially extends away from a different
corresponding one of the plurality of intersection lines relative to a
center of the storage shell. Each of the plurality of rails is formed
with a Y-shaped cross-section. Related products, systems, components and
methods are also disclosed and provide additional advantages.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0004]Embodiments of the invention will be described with respect to the
figures, in which like reference numerals denote like elements, and in
which:

[0005]FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a storage and organization
system including a plurality of storage shells, according to one
embodiment of the present invention.

[0006]FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a storage shell, according
to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0007]FIG. 3 illustrates a front view of the storage shell of FIG. 1,
according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0008]FIG. 4 illustrates a rear view of the storage shell of FIG. 1,
according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0009]FIG. 5 illustrates a top view of the storage shell of FIG. 1,
according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0010]FIG. 6 illustrates a bottom view of the storage shell of FIG. 1,
according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0011]FIG. 7 illustrates a right side view of the storage shell of FIG. 1,
according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0012]FIG. 8 illustrates a left side view of the storage shell of FIG. 1,
according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0013]FIG. 9 illustrates a cross-sectional view as indicated by the line
9-9 in FIG. 1, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0014]FIG. 10 illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of a rail of the
storage shell of FIG. 1, according to one embodiment of the present
invention.

[0015]FIG. 11 illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of a rail of the
storage shell of FIG. 1, according to one embodiment of the present
invention.

[0016]FIG. 12 illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of a rail of the
storage shell of FIG. 1, according to one embodiment of the present
invention.

[0017]FIG. 13 illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of a rail of the
storage shell of FIG. 1, according to one embodiment of the present
invention.

[0018]FIG. 14 illustrates a cross-sectional view as indicated by the line
14-14 in FIG. 1, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0019]FIG. 15 illustrates a bottom view of the storage shell of FIG. 1
with portions of a second shell illustrated in dashed lines, according to
one embodiment of the present invention.

[0020]FIG. 16 illustrates a right side view of the storage shell of FIG. 1
with portions of a second shell illustrated in dashed lines, according to
one embodiment of the present invention.

[0021]FIG. 17 illustrates a flow chart for a method of creating a storage
and organization system, according to one embodiment of the present
invention.

[0022]FIG. 18 illustrates a flow chart for a method of providing a storage
and organization system, according to one embodiment of the present
invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023]The following detailed description of the invention is merely
exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the invention or the
application and uses of the invention. Furthermore, there is no intention
to be bound by any theory presented in the preceding background of the
invention or the following detailed description of the invention.

[0024]A storage and organization system according to the embodiments
described herein is configured to store a plurality of goods, such as a
consumer's belongings, and to be easily reconfigured to evolve with the
changing needs of the consumer. In one example, the system described
herein is configured to be assembled without permanency while still
providing a sturdy and aesthetically pleasing storage assembly. In one
embodiment, although the general components of the system are configured
for a plurality of purposes, additional accessory and other components
are provided and configured to interface with the general components to
personalize the system for use in a particular area of the home, at a
particular time in a consumer's life, etc., based on the needs of the
consumer. As such, in one example, the storage and organization system is
an adaptable, aesthetically pleasing alternative to the plurality of
mismatched organizational units generally available in the prior art.

[0025]Turning to the figures, FIG. 1 illustrates a storage and
organization system 10 according to one embodiment. The basic building
block of storage and organization system 10 is a storage shell 12.
Storage shells 12 may be stacked side to side and/or one on top of
another in any number of configurations designed by a user/creator of
storage and organization system 10. In one embodiment, storage shells 12
fit snuggly in place next to one another such that storage and
organization system 10 appears as a more coherent unit not matter what
configuration of storage and organization system 10 being created. In
addition, the snug fit of adjacent storage shells 12 also provides the
resultant storage and organization system 10 with added rigidity and
structural integrity as will be apparent to those of skill in the art
upon reading this application.

[0026]FIGS. 2-8 each generally illustrate storage shell 12 (e.g., a
storage box) or at least a portion thereof according to one embodiment of
the present invention. In one embodiment, each storage shell 12 defines
four sidewalls 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d (collectively referred to as
sidewalls 20) and a rear wall 22. Each sidewall 20 is substantially
rectangular (e.g., square) and extends between opposite edges of two
other sidewalls 20 to define a rectangular box-like structure. Rear wall
22 is coupled to a rear edge 24 of each sidewall 20 such that a
compartment 26 (e.g., a cavity, chamber, or void) is defined by storage
shell 12 between sidewalls 20 and rear wall 22. A front opening 28 to
compartment 26 is defined opposite rear wall 22 and is bordered by a
front edge 30 of each of the sidewalls 20 opposite rear edges 24. As
such, in one embodiment, storage shell 12 is essentially formed as a
rectangular cuboid with an open face (i.e., front opening 28) opposite
rear wall 22. In one embodiment, each storage shell 12 is formed from a
single material, for example, a suitable plastic material or similar
material injection or otherwise molded to form storage shell 12.

[0027]Referring to FIG. 1, in one embodiment, each sidewall 20 includes a
substantially planar panel 40 in a square or other rectangular shape
defining an exterior surface 42 and an interior surface 44 opposite
exterior surface 42. In one example, a separate track 46 extends
outwardly (i.e., away from compartment 26) from exterior surface 42 of
each substantially planar panel 40. Track 46, more specifically, extends
around exterior surface 42 inset slightly from outer perimeter edges 48
of the corresponding substantially planar panel 40. As such, an outer
perimeter of track 46 is shaped similarly to, but is slightly smaller
than, an outer perimeter of a corresponding substantially planar panel
40.

[0028]In one example, track 46 includes a pair of concentric ribs 50
defining an opening or groove 54 (e.g., FIG. 4) therebetween. In one
example, track 46 as a whole, provides additional rigidity and support to
sidewalls 20. For instance, track 46 provides each substantially planar
panel 40 with additional strength and decreases twisting, warping, or
other deformations of substantially planar panel 40 when storage shell 12
is loaded with goods, etc. In one embodiment, use of track 46 allows
substantially planar panel 40 to be formed thinner than if no track 46
were used as will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading
the present application. Use of thinner walls decreases the amount of
material needed to form each storage shell 12 and thereby reduces the
cost of manufacturing the resultant storage shells 12.

[0029]In one example, one or more apertures or holes 60 extend through
each sidewall 20, for example, in groove 54 of track 46. In one
embodiment, each hole 60 is substantially square or otherwise rectangular
in shape. In one embodiment, a hole 60 is defined in each of the four
corners of track 46 in each of the four sidewalls 20 and rear wall 22.
Additional holes 60 may be defined along one or more linear lengths of
track 46. In one example, some sidewalls 20 include similar numbers and
positioning of holes 60 while other sidewalls 20 and/or rear wall 22 may
have different numbers and/or arrangements of holes 60. For example, top
and bottom sidewalls 20a and 20c, which are positioned opposite and
parallel to one another, only have holes 60 in the corners of the
corresponding tracks 46. Vertical sidewalls 20b and 20d, which are
positioned opposite and parallel to one another and perpendicular to top
and bottom sidewalls 20a and 20c, include holes 60 in the corners of the
corresponding tracks 46 and additionally each include a plurality of
holes 60 linearly spaced at equal distances from one other along at least
two of the linear lengths of each track 46. For example, vertical
sidewalls 20b and 20d each have a plurality of holes 60 defined in
portions of the groove 54 defined along the front and rear lengths (i.e.,
the vertical lengths) of the corresponding tracks 46.

[0030]A corner, boundary or intersection line 62 (e.g., FIG. 2) is
generally defined at the border between any one sidewall 20, rear wall
22, or front opening 28 and another sidewall 20, rear wall 22, or front
opening 28. Accordingly, in one embodiment, twelve intersection lines 62
are formed by storage shell 12 including four around front opening 28,
four around rear wall 22, and four extending front to back and being
defined at the boundary between adjacent sidewalls 20. In one embodiment,
a rail 64 extends radially outwardly with respect to a center of the
corresponding storage shell 12 from one or more of the intersection lines
62, for example, from every intersection line 62. In one example, rail 64
intersects a respective intersection line 62. As used herein, "radially"
refers to a divergent extension of a member relative to a center of a
corresponding storage shell 12 unless another reference point is
specifically provided. In one embodiment, each rail 64 extends along a
substantial entirety of a length of each intersection line 62.

[0031]Referring to FIGS. 9-14, in one embodiment, each rail 64 is
substantially Y-shaped and includes a primary leg or flange 70 and first
and second auxiliary lengths or legs 74 and 76. Flange 70 is
substantially planar and extends from the corresponding intersection line
62 to define an outer end 72 opposite the corresponding intersection line
62. In one embodiment, each flange 70, and therefore, rail 64, radially
extends from intersection line 62 at an angle α1 between about
30° and about 60° as measured from each adjacent sidewall
20, rear wall 22, or front opening 28, for example, at angle
α1 of about 45° as illustrated, for example, in FIG.
11. As such, each flange 70 extends around each sidewall 20, rear wall
22, and front opening 28.

[0032]Referring to FIG. 11, in one example, first and second auxiliary
legs 74 and 76 each extend from outer end 72 of flange 64. Each of first
and second auxiliary legs 74 and 76 diverges as it extends from outer end
72 of flange 64. In one embodiment, first and second auxiliary legs 74
and 76 are orientated substantially perpendicularly relative to one
another. In one example, each of first and second auxiliary legs 74 and
76 extend from flange 70 with an angle α2 between about
30° and about 60°, for example, at angle α2 of
about 45°. In one embodiment, each auxiliary leg 74 and 76 extends
parallel to one of sidewalls 20 immediately adjacent the corresponding
rail 64.

[0033]In order to facilitate nesting of storage shells 12 to one another,
at least two different rail 64 types, for example, four different rail 64
types, are included in each storage shell 12, the four different types of
rails 64 being illustrated in FIGS. 9-13 including rail 64a, rail 64b,
rail 64c, and rail 64d. As used herein, rails 64 generically refer to a
rail of any one of the types, while rails 64a, 64b, 64c, and 64d are used
to specifically identify a rail type. A similar numbering convention will
be used for other related parts. The different types of rails 64 vary in
the lengths of first and second auxiliary legs 74 and 76 and the position
of an intersecting point 78 between first and second auxiliary legs 74
and 76 relative to an extension of a dissecting center line of flange 70.
For purposes of description, a length of each auxiliary leg 74 and 76 is
considered as measured from a corresponding intersecting point 78 to a
far end of each auxiliary leg 74 and 76.

[0034]More specifically, FIG. 10 illustrates a first type of rail 64a.
First type of rail 64a includes first and second auxiliary legs 74a and
76a that each extend from intersecting point 78a a similar, albeit
relatively small, distance. Intersecting point 78a is positioned along
the centerline of flange 70 such that first type of rail 64a is
substantially symmetrical. FIG. 11 illustrates second type of rail 64b,
which is substantially similar to first type of rail 64a other than the
distance first and second auxiliary legs 74b and 76b extend from
intersecting point 78b. In particular, first and second auxiliary legs
74b and 76b are considerably longer than first and second auxiliary legs
74a and 76a. In rail 64b, first and second auxiliary legs 74b and 76b are
symmetrical such that intersecting point 78b is positioned along
centerline of flange 70.

[0035]FIG. 12 illustrates a third type of rail 64c. Rail 64c is
asymmetrical with first auxiliary leg 74c being considerably shorter than
second auxiliary leg 74c. Furthermore, intersecting point 78c is
positioned off the centerline of flange 70. More specifically,
intersecting point 78c is positioned nearer first auxiliary leg 74c. In
this manner, while second auxiliary leg 76c is longer than first
auxiliary leg 74c as measured from intersecting point 78c, first
auxiliary leg 74c actually extends further away from the centerline of
flange 70 than second auxiliary leg 76c.

[0036]FIG. 13 illustrates a fourth type of rail 64d, which is
substantially similar to third type of rail 64c with the characteristics
of first auxiliary leg 74 and second auxiliary leg 76 being switched with
one another. In particular, in one example, rail 64d is asymmetrical with
first auxiliary leg 74d being considerably longer than second auxiliary
leg 74d. Furthermore, intersecting point 78d is positioned off the
centerline of flange 70, for example, nearer second auxiliary leg 76d. In
this manner, while first auxiliary leg 74d is longer than second
auxiliary leg 76d as measured from intersecting point 78d, second
auxiliary leg 76d actually extends further away from the centerline of
flange 70 than first auxiliary leg 74d.

[0037]In one embodiment, flange 70, first auxiliary leg 74 and second
auxiliary leg 76 of each rail 64 are substantially coextensive along a
linear length of a side edge of one of sidewalls 20, rear wall 22, and/or
front opening 28. In one embodiment, at corners of storage shells 12,
auxiliary legs 74 and 76 of rails 64 are joined with auxiliary legs 74
and 76 of other rails 64 extending into the same corner. More
specifically, auxiliary legs 74 and 76 of rails 64 are joined with
auxiliary legs 74 and 76 of other rails 64 to define a rounded transition
corner between two adjoining auxiliary legs 74 and/or 76.

[0038]In one embodiment, the above-described treatment of rails 64 at each
corner results in four auxiliary legs 74 and 76 collectively defining a
rim 82 extending substantially around one of sidewalls 20, rear wall 22,
and front opening 28 of storage shell 12 as illustrated in any of FIGS.
3-8. Each rim 82 may be continuous (e.g., closed-loop) or segmented into
separate portions and extends substantially perpendicular to the one of
sidewalls 20, rear wall 22, and front opening 28 around which it extends.
For example, the first auxiliary legs 74 of each of four rails 64 around
top sidewall 20a collectively form rim 82 extending around top sidewall
20a with an orientation substantially perpendicular to top sidewall 20a.
In one embodiment, a total of six rims 82 are formed, in particular, one
around each sidewall 20, one around rear wall 22, and one around front
opening 28. In one example, due to the differences in the lengths of
first and second auxiliary legs 74 and 76 depending on the type of rail
64 used, rims 82 corresponding to different sidewalls 20, rear wall 22,
front opening 28 are sized differently. In view of the above, each rail
64 partially defines two corresponding rims 82.

[0039]In one example, two resultant sizes of rims 82 are provided
including a smaller rim 82a and a larger rim 82b. Each rim size is
selected based on the expected stacking of multiple storage shells 12.
More specifically, where bottom sidewall 20c of a storage shell 12 is
likely to be placed on a top sidewall 20a of another storage shell 12,
when the two storage shells 12 are stacked on one another, one of top
sidewall 20a and bottom sidewall 20c is surrounded by smaller rim 82a
while the other is surrounded by larger rim 82b. For example, as
illustrated in FIGS. 2-8, bottom sidewall 20c of storage shell 12 is
formed with larger rim 82b while top sidewall 20a is defined with smaller
rim 82a. Larger rim 82b is sized to be larger than smaller rim 82a by
just slightly more than twice a thickness of rims 82. As such, when two
storage shells 12 are stacked on one another, smaller rim 82a around top
sidewall 20a of a first shell 12a (FIG. 1) fits or nests entirely and
just inside larger rim 82b of bottom sidewall 20c of an adjacent second
shell 12b (FIG. 1) as generally illustrated in dashed lines relative to
the bottom sidewall 20c of second storage shell 12b in FIG. 15.

[0040]In one embodiment, one or more of the larger rims 82b defined by
each storage shell 12 includes corner supports 90 (e.g., FIG. 15)
defining a surface just below larger rim 82b and configured to facilitate
support corners of smaller rim 82a and the associated storage shell 12 in
an even and stable manner as will be apparent to those of skill in the
art upon reading this application including viewing FIG. 15. Interaction
between corresponding ones of smaller rim 82a and larger rim 82b
facilitates positioning of adjacent storage shells 12 such that even
without coupling mechanisms, storage shells 12 generally remain in place
relative to one another from front to back and from right to left. When
joined with coupling mechanisms the resultant storage and organization
system 10 is substantial rigid, sturdy, and configured to safely store
even relatively weighty items at the pleasure of the user.

[0041]As will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading this
application, other sidewalls 20 likely to face one another upon stacking
and positioning of multiple storage shells 12 to define any storage and
organization system 10 are provided with complimentary rims 82, i.e., one
smaller rim 82a and one larger rim 82b. For example, as illustrated,
right sidewall 20b is surrounded by larger rim 82b and left sidewall 20d
is surrounded by smaller rim 82a. As such, when two similar storage
shells 12 are positioned next to each other the smaller rim 82a of a left
sidewall 20d of one storage shell 12 is nested within larger rim 82b of
an adjacent right sidewall 20b of another of storage shells 12 as
illustrated with dashed lines in the right side storage shell 12 view of
FIG. 16.

[0042]Sizing and positioning of rims 82 around sidewalls 20, etc. is also
determined to facilitate stacking of storage shells 12 both up and down
and side by side, for example, as illustrated in FIG. 1. For instance, as
shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 9, both top-to-bottom and
side-to-side coupling features are utilized and work together. More
specifically, the four rails 64 work together to nest with one another to
create a stable storage and organization system 10. In one embodiment,
none of the four rails 64 of FIG. 9 are of the same type. The desired
size of rim 82 to extend around each sidewall 20, rear wall 22, and front
opening 28 dictate which type of rail 64 will be used along each
intersection line 62. Particular types of rails 64 used in the
illustrated embodiments are indicated in FIGS. 3-8 by the proper
reference number with designating character as will be apparent to those
of skill in the art upon reading this application where each rail 64 is
identified from the perspective of looking from the front opening 28
toward rear wall 22, from right sidewall 20b toward left sidewall 20d, or
from top sidewall 20a toward bottom sidewall 20c, whichever is
appropriate given the orientation of the particular rail 64 being
identified.

[0043]In one embodiment, when shells 12 are stacked, two or more (e.g.,
all four) of rails 64 adjacent top sidewall 20a of first storage shell
12a interact with two or more (e.g., all four) of rails 64 adjacent
bottom sidewall 20c of second storage shell 12b. In one example, when the
above-described rails 64 interact, second auxiliary legs 76 of rails 64
adjacent top sidewall 20a of first storage shell 12a are positioned
adjacent and nest with first auxiliary legs 74 of rails 64 adjacent
bottom sidewall 20c (e.g., as illustrated with reference to the
cross-sectional view of FIG. 14). This nesting substantially maintains
second storage shell 12b in place relative to first storage shell 12a,
more particularly in place from side to side and from front to back of
storage shells 12. For example, second auxiliary legs 76 of rails 64
adjacent top sidewall 20a of first storage shell 12a extend just inside
first auxiliary legs 74 of rails 64 adjacent bottom sidewall 20c. The
opposite configuration of second auxiliary legs 76 of rails 64 adjacent
top sidewall 20a of first storage shell 12a and first auxiliary legs 74
of rails 64 adjacent bottom sidewall 20c may alternatively be used as
will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading this
application.

[0044]In one embodiment, when adjacent storage shells 12 are coupled to
one another, sidewalls 20 of one storage shell 12 are all maintained
spaced from and do not contact sidewalls 20 of other storage shells 12.
In other words, storage shells 12 only contact each other via rails 64.
Also, when storage shells 12 are stacked, holes 60 extending through
corresponding sidewalls 20 thereof align with one another (e.g., from
front to back and from left to right). As illustrated in FIG. 14, clips
100 are used to secure adjacent storage shells 12 to one another. For
example, clip 100 may be used including a head 102 and two symmetrical
legs 104 configured to be flexed toward one another to facilitate
coupling of clip 100 to and removal of clip 100 from a corresponding
storage shell 12. Other suitable connecting devices are also
contemplated.

[0045]FIG. 18 is a flow chart generally illustrating one embodiment of a
method 300 of using storage and organization system 10 as described with
respect to at least FIGS. 1-9. At 302, a first storage shell 12a is
provided having similar properties as described above. At 304, a second
shell 12b, which is substantially similar to, for example, identical to,
first storage shell 12a, is stacked on or next to first storage shell
12a. In one embodiment, stacking at 304 includes nesting one rim 82 of
first storage shell 12a with a corresponding rim 82 of second storage
shell 12b. For example, where second storage shell 12b is staked on first
storage shell 12a, larger rim 82b, which extends around bottom sidewall
20c of second storage shell 12b, is positioned around smaller rim 82a,
which extends around top sidewall 20a of first storage shell 12a, such
that smaller rim 82a of first storage shell 12a is nested within larger
rim 82b of second storage shell 12b. Similarly, if, at 204, shells 12a
and 12b are stacked next to one another, then, in one example, a larger
rim 82b around right sidewall 20b of first storage shell 12a is
positioned around a smaller rim 82a around left sidewall 20d of second
storage shell 12b.

[0046]In one example, once shells 12a and 12b are properly positioned and
stacked relative to one another, one or more connection device, such as
clips 100, are placed through a sidewall 20 of first storage shell 12a
and a sidewall 20 of second storage shell 12b, more specifically, through
holes 60 formed therein, to selectively maintain first and second storage
shells 12a and 12b coupled to one another. In one example, clips 100
allow shells 12 to be secured to one another without requiring any tools
other than clips 100 themselves. In one embodiment, no connection devices
are used. Other steps of configuring and creating a storage and
organization system 10 will be apparent to those of skill in the art. For
example, auxiliary members (not shown) such as trays shelves, drawers,
baskets, bins, etc. may be coupled with one or more of shells 12 in
storage and organization system 10 to further customize storage and
organization system 10 for one or more particular uses.

[0047]FIG. 18 illustrates one embodiment of a method 350 of providing a
storage and organization system 10. For example, at 352, storage shells
12, for example, first storage shell 12a, second storage shell 12b, third
storage shell 12c, etc., are provided. In one embodiment, providing
storage shells 12 at 302 includes displaying storage shells 12 as part of
a retail display in a retail environment such that shells 12 are viewable
by potential consumers at 304. Notably, retail environment may be a
tangible, "brick-and-mortar" location or may be a more intangible
environment, such as an Internet web site, associated with a retailer.

[0048]At 356, retailer or provider of shells 12 promotes that shells 12
are stackable side by side and/or up and down to create custom storage
and organization units 10. In one embodiment, such promotion at 356
includes proving depictions of sample storage and organization units
providing examples and inspiration to potential consumers of how to use
shells 12 for their storage and organizational needs. In one embodiment,
promoting at 256 also or alternatively includes providing assembly
instructions at 360. In one example, instructions themselves provide
inspiration for additional uses of shells 12 and/or additional
inspiration for using shells 12 or constructing predefined or other
storage and organization systems 10.

[0049]When a consumer decides to purchase one or more shells 12 and/or
accessories for use therewith, in one embodiment, the shells 12 and/or
accessories or at least representations thereof are moved from the retail
display or other corresponding storage space to a point-of-sale terminal
(e.g., cash register, kiosk, home computer, etc.) so that they can be
processed for sale at 362. Although method 350 is illustrated as a series
of operations, in one embodiment, at least operations 352 and 356 can be
performed in any order and/or substantially simultaneously with one
another.

[0050]Although the invention has been described to particular embodiments,
such embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and should not be
considered to limit the invention. Various alternatives and modifications
within the scope of the invention in its various embodiments will be
apparent to those with ordinary skill in the art upon reading this
application.